DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS

Transcription

1 FOURTH SESSION - TWENTY-SIXTH LEGISLATURE of the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan DEBATES and PROCEEDINGS (HANSARD) Published under the authority of The Honourable Don Toth Speaker N.S. VOL. 53 NO. 56A WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2011, 1:30 p.m.

2 MEMBERS OF THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN Speaker Hon. Don Toth Premier Hon. Brad Wall Leader of the Opposition Dwain Lingenfelter Name of Member Political Affiliation Constituency Allchurch, Denis SP Rosthern-Shellbrook Atkinson, Pat NDP Saskatoon Nutana Belanger, Buckley NDP Athabasca Bjornerud, Hon. Bob SP Melville-Saltcoats Boyd, Hon. Bill SP Kindersley Bradshaw, Fred SP Carrot River Valley Brkich, Greg SP Arm River-Watrous Broten, Cam NDP Saskatoon Massey Place Chartier, Danielle NDP Saskatoon Riversdale Cheveldayoff, Hon. Ken SP Saskatoon Silver Springs Chisholm, Michael SP Cut Knife-Turtleford D Autremont, Dan SP Cannington Draude, Hon. June SP Kelvington-Wadena Duncan, Hon. Dustin SP Weyburn-Big Muddy Eagles, Doreen SP Estevan Elhard, Wayne SP Cypress Hills Forbes, David NDP Saskatoon Centre Furber, Darcy NDP Prince Albert Northcote Gantefoer, Rod SP Melfort Harpauer, Hon. Donna SP Humboldt Harper, Ron NDP Regina Northeast Harrison, Hon. Jeremy SP Meadow Lake Hart, Glen SP Last Mountain-Touchwood Heppner, Nancy SP Martensville Hickie, Hon. Darryl SP Prince Albert Carlton Higgins, Deb NDP Moose Jaw Wakamow Hutchinson, Hon. Bill SP Regina South Huyghebaert, Hon. D.F. (Yogi) SP Wood River Iwanchuk, Andy NDP Saskatoon Fairview Junor, Judy NDP Saskatoon Eastview Kirsch, Delbert SP Batoche Krawetz, Hon. Ken SP Canora-Pelly Lingenfelter, Dwain NDP Regina Douglas Park McCall, Warren NDP Regina Elphinstone-Centre McMillan, Hon. Tim SP Lloydminster McMorris, Hon. Don SP Indian Head-Milestone Michelson, Warren SP Moose Jaw North Morgan, Hon. Don SP Saskatoon Southeast Morin, Sandra NDP Regina Walsh Acres Nilson, John NDP Regina Lakeview Norris, Hon. Rob SP Saskatoon Greystone Ottenbreit, Greg SP Yorkton Quennell, Frank NDP Saskatoon Meewasin Reiter, Hon. Jim SP Rosetown-Elrose Ross, Hon. Laura SP Regina Qu Appelle Valley Schriemer, Joceline SP Saskatoon Sutherland Stewart, Lyle SP Thunder Creek Taylor, Len NDP The Battlefords Tell, Christine SP Regina Wascana Plains Toth, Hon. Don SP Moosomin Trew, Kim NDP Regina Coronation Park Vermette, Doyle NDP Cumberland Wall, Hon. Brad SP Swift Current Weekes, Randy SP Biggar Wilson, Nadine SP Saskatchewan Rivers Wotherspoon, Trent NDP Regina Rosemont Wyant, Gordon SP Saskatoon Northwest Yates, Kevin NDP Regina Dewdney

3 LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY OF SASKATCHEWAN 7495 May 4, 2011 [The Assembly met at 13:30.] [Prayers] TABLING OF REPORTS The Speaker: Before routine proceedings and according to section 30 of the Ombudsman and children s Act, I do lay on the Table the 2011 annual report of the child s advocate. ROUTINE PROCEEDINGS INTRODUCTION OF GUESTS The Speaker: I recognize the Premier. Hon. Mr. Wall: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. To you and through to all members of this Assembly it s an honour to introduce the newly re-elected Member of Parliament for Regina Qu Appelle, Andrew Scheer, who has joined us here today. Mr. Speaker, this House will know that at dissolution and still today as tradition of the House of Commons, Mr. Scheer is also the Deputy Speaker in the House of Commons. We also know that the Speaker did not seek re-election. And so they will be choosing a new Speaker in Ottawa in the House of Commons, and there is a good chance that someone from the province of Saskatchewan will be able to be the Speaker of the House of Commons. So we want to, through your good offices, sir, and through the members offices here, encourage members of parliament to vote for Andrew Scheer as the Speaker for the House of Commons. Maybe some calls to Quebec and across the country from our colleagues across the way can also build some support for Mr. Scheer. But I want to introduce him to you, Mr. Speaker, and welcome him to his provincial Legislative Assembly. And while I m on my feet, two quick introductions in groups that will be more formally introduced by other members in the Assembly. I want to introduce and welcome a friend from Swift Current, Jerry Funk. Well actually from just south of Swift Current. Jerry s with one of the great firefighters in the city of Swift Current and been a friend for a while. And it looks like he s here with a group of students from Wymark, including his daughter Rebecca. There she is. So we say hello to both of them and to all of the students. I know the member will introduce them more formally in a moment. And finally while I m on my feet, in your gallery, Mr. Speaker, with another delegation that I think will be introduced is Delphine Gossner, who was a bridesmaid for Tami a few years ago when we got married and is also a good friend. I m grateful that she didn t talk Tami out of making a terrible mistake on that occasion. And we want to welcome these folks as well to their legislature. The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Lingenfelter: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the Premier in welcoming Andrew here to the Assembly. And having been a few elections both on the winning side and losing side, I d much prefer your position. But I did want to say congratulations to you and your team. Great job. And I also want to say that on a number of occasions, Andrew and I have had an opportunity to go to receptions. And I always find very interesting discussions, especially with your wife, who of course is a Ryan. And we re very pleased that Steve Ryan, your brother-in-law, is running for us in Regina Qu Appelle. So it is in fact a family affair. But I did want to say in a serious way, congratulations to you, and you re doing a great job. Keep it up. And we ll be looking to you for some interesting results in certain areas, so thank you very much. The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Corrections, Public Safety and Policing, the member from Wood River. Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have two separate introductions I d like to make, Mr. Speaker. To you and through you to the Assembly I d like to introduce a very special visitor that s seated in your gallery today. It s my pleasure to welcome back to Saskatchewan, US [United States] federal Chief Judge Ralph Erickson. And also seated with Judge Erickson today are Wade Warren, chief probation officer for North Dakota, and Delphine Gossner who is the director of clinical services, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing in the province of Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, you may recall that my ministry signed a historic memorandum of understanding with US Federal Probation and Pretrial Services in the District of North Dakota in August of Later today I will be pleased to join with Chief Judge Erickson in signing a 12-month extension of that agreement. And we ll have a little more to say on that a little bit later in a member s statement, Mr. Speaker. So, Mr. Speaker, I would ask all members to join me in welcoming Judge Erickson and his delegation to Saskatchewan and let s give them a warm welcome. And while I m on my feet, Mr. Speaker, I would like to introduce a school group from Wymark. There s 16 grade 8 students in the west gallery, and a long-time friend, Brad Gasper. Brad brings a school group here, it seems like every year, so it s great to welcome Brad and his school group back to the Assembly. And with Brad, as mentioned by the Premier, Jerry Funk. But also there s Trudi Banman and Claudia Olney. Unfortunately I won t be able to meet with this group after question period, Mr. Speaker, because I will be busy, but the member from Cypress Hills has volunteered to meet with the school group and be able to discuss some issues and answer some questions. So I would ask all members to join with me in welcoming Brad and his school group here to their Legislative Assembly. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin. Mr. Quennell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to join with the minister on behalf of the official opposition to welcome

4 7496 Saskatchewan Hansard May 4, 2011 Judge Erickson and the other guests that are in your gallery today and join in the introduction of them to the Legislative Assembly. We know that crime doesn t, and criminals do not respect provincial boundaries, and they don t respect international boundaries. And any co-operation between our correction and policing services or justice systems across all those boundaries is welcome and invaluable, Mr. Speaker. So again, on behalf of the official opposition, I want to join with the minister in welcoming our guests here today, and I look forward to a renewal of current agreements and progress and advancement. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Biggar. Mr. Weekes: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In the west gallery, I d like to introduce to you and through you, 32 grade 5 students from Delisle Elementary School. Accompanying these 32 grade 5 students are teachers, Ms. Donna Dreher and Mr. Brent Reis. Also a number of chaperones, and I hope the number of chaperones aren t indicative of the behaviour of the students, but they brought quite a few down. I d like to introduce them as well: Tammy Wiebe, Amanda Kemp, Dean Yuzik, Andrea Neufeld, Linda Keilo, Kim Smith, Dorothy Carnell, Udelle Milton, Laurie Gratton, Angela Wiens, and Kim Nickel. And we will have a photo after question period, and I will join them for a meeting with the students and take their questions at that time. So please join me in welcoming the students and chaperones and parents from Delisle Elementary School. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre. Mr. McCall: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I d like to introduce to you and through you some individuals seated in the east gallery. They come here today all the way from Red Earth Cree Nation, which is a fair distance to travel, Mr. Speaker. And they come on the heels of a fairly monumental flood fighting efforts which saw upwards of 250 individuals evacuated. A great number of families affected, and a lot of stress for those people certainly, but particularly on the leadership of the community going through something like that. So I want to extend congratulations to them on behalf of the official opposition for the solid effort, putting up with the stress in that hard time for the Red Earth Cree Nation. But I also want to thank Chief Ian McKay for leading the delegation here today, as well as Elder Abelard Nawakayas. It s good to see them here in their Legislative Assembly, Mr. Speaker, and hopefully we can get them some answers for some questions that they have here today. But in closing, Mr. Speaker, I d like to say to them, ta wow. Welcome to your Legislative Assembly. The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for First Nations and Métis Relations. Hon. Mr. Cheveldayoff: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. It is indeed a pleasure to join with the member opposite and to welcome the group from Red Earth here today and to thank them and to let them know that certainly we all are with them as they strive to meet the challenges that Mother Earth has put before us. We re working with all First Nations across Saskatchewan to ensure that they have the resources necessary to deal with this. But most importantly are the human resources and the people and the dedication, and I thank them for doing that and for being here today to set a great example. The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Lingenfelter: Mr. Speaker, I want to join with the minister and the member from Elphinstone in welcoming Chief Ian McKay and his council and others who are here. I did have a chance to say just hello briefly in the hallway in the rotunda, but I understand our caucus members and our committee met on the issues of flooding and other issues. But I just want to say that to all Saskatchewan families who were affected by the serious flooding, along with the members from Red Earth that we are very, very concerned about it. And in saying that, also the fact that the emergency measures and the volunteers across the province who are working so extremely hard, sometimes in very adverse conditions, Katepwa and other places, that it s not going unnoticed by others across Canada that Saskatchewan is a very unique place where, when we get into these difficult times, we band together and get the job done. And I just want to say keep up the good work, and we ll be there to support. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Carrot River Valley. Mr. Bradshaw: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I too want to welcome the residents of Red Earth. And I know that they ve had quite a few problems out there over the years, there s been some diking done and obviously there s more work to do, Mr. Speaker. But I know it s a long trip down here because I make that trip every week, and they re actually farther north than what I am. So I want to thank them for coming down to their Assembly and bringing their concerns with them. Thank you. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Athabasca. Mr. Belanger: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. [The hon. member spoke for a time in Cree.] So in my own language of Cree, I just said, Mr. Speaker, that I m glad that they re here. This is their House and I m especially glad that the young people are here and that they have to keep their struggles and their fight always at the forefront. So again in my own Cree language: [The hon. member spoke for a time in Cree.] Thank you very much. The Speaker: Members, I note up in the gallery, Lenni Frohman from our Hansard and director of parliamentary publications is in the gallery, and so I extend an invitation to Lenni this afternoon. PRESENTING PETITIONS The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon

5 May 4, 2011 Saskatchewan Hansard 7497 Eastview. Ms. Junor: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again today to present petitions on behalf of people that support quality health care services in the province. The petition of the undersigned citizens of the province of Saskatchewan humbly showeth that the Government of Saskatchewan ought to recognize the need for timely access to comprehensive and quality health care services for all communities within the province, including Wakaw and surrounding areas, and that the disruption of emergency services and in-patient services at Wakaw Hospital will not serve the needs of the residents of this community and surrounding areas; and That the cuts in access to timely and accurate diagnostic and laboratory services within the community of Wakaw and surrounding areas will not serve the needs of the residents either. Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the government to commit to maintain quality health care services through the commitment of necessary funding to address critical retention and recruitment issues. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. The many signatures on these petitions today, Mr. Speaker, are from Wakaw, Regina, Martensville, Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Estevan, Cudworth, Belle Plaine, Yorkton, Bellevue, Yellow Creek, Middle Lake, Rosthern, and Wakaw. Thanks, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre. Mr. Forbes: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present a petition in support of eliminating poverty here in Saskatchewan. We know that freedom from poverty is an enshrined human right by the United Nations, and all citizens are entitled to social and economic security. We know that Saskatchewan s income gap between the rich and the poor continues to grow, and one in five children in Saskatchewan now live in deepening poverty. I d like to read the prayer: Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the government to act as quickly as possible to develop an effective and sustainable poverty elimination strategy for the benefit of all Saskatchewan citizens. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. I do so present. Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. [13:45] The Speaker: I recognize the member from Prince Albert Northcote. Mr. Furber: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise again today to present a petition in support of a potash royalty review because the citizens of Saskatchewan are the owners of a thousand-year supply of a strategic resource, and those same people deserve to receive the maximum benefit for that resource or from that resource, Mr. Speaker. Additionally, the CEO [chief executive officer] of a major potash company in Saskatchewan said that there s a new norm for potash moving forward in the global economy. And the prayer reads: We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan take the following action: cause the government to begin a comprehensive, transparent, and public review of Saskatchewan s potash royalty system with a view to maximizing the return from this strategic resource for its owners, the people of Saskatchewan, who wish to use this additional potash royalty revenue for needed investments in health care, child care, education, affordable housing, infrastructure, and other social programs as well as public initiatives such as debt repayment. Mr. Speaker, the petition today is signed by good folks from Ituna, Melville, and Fenwood, Saskatchewan. I so present. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Walsh Acres. Ms. Morin: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I rise yet again today to present a petition on restoring funding equity to Regina Catholic schools. Regina Catholic schools received $275 less than Regina public schools in the last fiscal year, amounting to a funding inequity of $2.7 million in total. The funding inequity places program delivery and staffing levels at risk, Mr. Speaker, and we re already seeing program cuts for the fall of 2011 in terms of the students returning back to school. The Government of Saskatchewan has denied Catholic school boards in the province representation on the government-appointed committee mandated to develop a long-term funding formula for Saskatchewan school boards. And the prayer reads as follows: Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly may be pleased to cause the government to address the funding inequity between Regina Catholic schools and Regina public schools that provides $275 less per pupil funding for Regina Catholic school students, totalling $2.7 million, and make known that the continuation for another school year of funding inequity places program delivery and staffing levels at risk in Regina Catholic schools; and in so doing, immediately restore funding equity to ensure that every student in Saskatchewan, whether enrolled in a Catholic or a public school, receives equitable resources to ensure every student in Saskatchewan has access to a quality education. Mr. Speaker, these petitions are signed by residents of Regina, Lumsden, and Saskatoon. I so present. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Meewasin.

6 7498 Saskatchewan Hansard May 4, 2011 Mr. Quennell: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again today to present a petition signed by citizens of Saskatchewan concerned about the detrimental effect that Bill 160 would have on our human rights law if enacted. And the prayer reads as follows: We, in the prayer that reads as follows, respectfully request that the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan withdraw Bill 160 from consideration by the Legislative Assembly of Saskatchewan and hold extensive public consultations informed by a public policy paper before any amendments to the Human Rights Code, the law that supersedes all others in our province, are even considered. And today the petition is signed by residents of Regina and I so present, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Rosemont. Mr. Wotherspoon: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise once again to present petitions on behalf of concerned residents from across Saskatchewan as it relates to the mismanagement of our finances by the Sask Party. They allude to a record that includes the increasing of debt and running of deficits at a time of unprecedented highs in revenues, Mr. Speaker, recognizing that there s consequences both now and well into the future for this type of management, Mr. Speaker, running this year... piling up debt to the tune of $548 million, Mr. Speaker. And the prayer reads as follows: Wherefore your petitioners humbly pray that your honourable Legislative Assembly condemn the Sask Party government for its damaging financial mismanagement since taking office, a reckless fiscal record that is denying Saskatchewan people, organizations, municipalities, institutions, taxpayers, and businesses the responsible and trustworthy fiscal management they so deserve. And as in duty bound, your petitioners will ever pray. These petitions today, Mr. Speaker, are signed by concerned residents of Saskatoon and Moose Jaw. I so submit. STATEMENTS BY MEMBERS The Speaker: I recognize the member from Melfort. Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Month Mr. Gantefoer: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. May is National MS [multiple sclerosis] Awareness Month. Multiple sclerosis is a disease. It is an unpredictable, often disabling disease of the central nervous system. MS affects vision, hearing, memory, balance, and mobility. Its effects are physical, emotional, financial, and last a lifetime. While it is most often diagnosed in young adults aged 15 to 40, we know that it affects children, even some as young as two years old. Mr. Speaker, our government is following through on our commitment and has invested $5 million to fund clinical trial for the multiple sclerosis liberation procedure. Ours is the first province to move forward on initiating clinical trials of the liberation procedure. This liberation procedure is a potentially groundbreaking discovery for the treatment of MS. We are aware that it is still in the trial stages and is not yet proven as a scientifically valid therapy, but this funding will help determine its validity as a treatment for MS. MS research is extremely important to the people of Saskatchewan. Our government is moving forward in search for a cure of this deadly disease. I encourage all of my colleagues to keep those who are affected with multiple sclerosis in their thoughts and prayers. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Fairview. International Firefighters Day Mr. Iwanchuk: Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today to recognize May 4th as International Firefighters Day. Firefighters dedicate their lives to protection of life and property. Sometimes that dedication is in the form of countless hours volunteered, and then again it is many selfless years working in the industry. In all cases, it risks the ultimate sacrifice of a firefighter s life. International Firefighters Day is a time when the world s community can recognize and honour the sacrifices that firefighters make to ensure that their communities and environment are as safe as possible. It is also a day in which current and past firefighters can be thanked for their contributions. International Firefighters Day is observed each year on the 4th of May. On this day, you re invited to remember the past firefighters who have died while serving our community or dedicated their lives to protecting the safety of us all. At the same time, we can show our support and appreciation to the firefighters worldwide who continue to protect us so well throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, we must also continue to protect and advocate these brave women and men. The firefighters are at increased risk for cancer because of their work. We must continue to monitor and expand the list of potential disease risks our firefighters face in the workplace. As our knowledge grows regarding their exposure to risks, so should our protection and compensation for these selfless workers. Mr. Speaker, I ask all members to join me in showing our gratitude and recognize these brave women and men. Thank you. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Last Mountain Touchwood. Mental Health Week Mr. Hart: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, this week is Mental Health Week in Canada. It s an important year for the Canadian Mental Health Association as this year marks the 60th anniversary of this organization s improving people s understanding of mental health. The CMHA [Canadian Mental Health Association] has launched a print advertising campaign for Mental Health Week

7 May 4, 2011 Saskatchewan Hansard designed to encourage the public to share how they maintain and improve their mental health. The literature features everyday people from diverse age groups and cultural backgrounds sharing their personal tips on what they do to be mentally healthy. Mental Health Week 2011 will focus on key topics that help the public have a broader understanding of mental health including: kids have stress too, workplace mental health, resiliency, and mental health is everyone s concern. Mr. Speaker, that s why this year s theme is Mental Health for All. The CMHA is committed to breaking the stereotypes around mental health issues, and this week provides the opportunity for their organization to do this on a national stage. On behalf of the government, I would like to congratulate the Canadian Mental Health Association for work well done and wish them every success in the future. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Nutana. Vote for the Sheepdogs Ms. Atkinson: Mr. Speaker, Saskatoon s very own Sheepdogs have made it to the third round in their quest to make rock n roll history gracing the cover of the Rolling Stone. After hundreds of thousands of votes were cast online, only four acts remain in the hunt for one of the most coveted achievements in the music world appearing on the cover. That final winner will also land an Atlantic Records contract launching their career. Mr. Speaker, voting for this round will close on May 13th, so our chance to influence the outcome is now. The two surviving bands will advance to the final round, an epic battle on stage at the Bonnarro festival in June. The winner of the contest will be announced on the August 2nd episode on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon where they will also make their live television debut. The Sheepdogs recently visited New York City where they recorded a hot new track with multi-platinum producers and also performed in front of Rolling Stone editors and industry insiders. Although the Sheepdogs hail from Saskatoon Nutana, they confess to looking south for their inspiration. This influence is clear on the band s latest album, Learn & Burn, which presents 11 songs. On I Don t Know, the lead vocals shine in front of hard-hitting electric guitar to attain a sound that s reminiscent of Creedence Clearwater Revival. Mr. Speaker, I would encourage all members of the legislature and all citizens in Canada to vote for the Sheepdogs, and hopefully very soon we ll see them on the cover of the Rolling Stone. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Estevan. Enhancing Public Safety Ms. Eagles: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, today is an important day for Corrections both here in Saskatchewan and in the state of North Dakota. In August of 2009, Corrections, Public Safety and Policing signed a historic memorandum of understanding with the US Federal Probation and Pretrial Services, District of North Dakota. Mr. Speaker, later this afternoon, the Minister of Corrections, Public Safety and Policing and US federal Chief Judge Erickson will sign a 12-month extension to this agreement. Mr. Speaker, the goal of this agreement is to enhance public safety in communities in North Dakota and right here in Saskatchewan. The terms of the MOU [memorandum of understanding], Saskatchewan has provided services including training of clinical director in key areas including risk assessments, core correctional practices, and community safety planning. Over the next 12 months, Mr. Speaker, we will complete clinical director training in clinical supervision and help implement community safety planning by front-line probation officers. The MOU is also designed to promote joint research initiatives that will help both jurisdictions develop new approaches to rehabilitation and offender accountability. Mr. Speaker, members of this Assembly should know the Federal District of North Dakota was referred to us on the basis of Saskatchewan s growing reputation for effective correctional practices. Mr. Speaker, I invite all members to join me in recognizing the hard work put into this historic agreement and the people that are here today. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre. Missing Children and the Green Ribbon of Hope Mr. Forbes: Mr. Speaker, May is Missing Children s Month in our province. Child Find Saskatchewan wishes to raise awareness for the 20th annual Green Ribbon of Hope campaign. And this campaign started May 1st and will continue throughout the month. This campaign increases public awareness about National Missing Children s Day on May 25th plus the issue of missing children generally in Canada. Mr. Speaker, Child Find does not receive annual government funding. They depend almost entirely on the benevolence of others in the manner of corporate and private donations in kind. Child Find has historically relied on two major fundraising projects, namely the annual Green Ribbon of Hope campaign in May and the Green Ribbon dinner. The Green Ribbon of Hope is recognized as a symbol to remember missing children and to seek their safe return. It is also used as an expression of thought for missing children, their families, and their friends. Proceeds generated by the campaign will enable Child Find Saskatchewan to continue their mandate of assisting in the search process for missing children. This organization has an incredible commitment to protect children and youth here in Saskatchewan. Mr. Speaker, Saskatchewan people can play a vital role in helping to raise awareness. I encourage all members of this Assembly to wear the Green Ribbon of Hope as a symbol of remembrance and hope for the safe return of all missing children in our country, in our province. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

8 7500 Saskatchewan Hansard May 4, 2011 The Speaker: I recognize the member from Martensville. Plan for Potash Taxes Ms. Heppner: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, the NDP [New Democratic Party] leader s plan to destroy Saskatchewan s economy has become crystal clear. The NDP leader now says he will hike potash taxes up to 80 per cent. Not at all concerned about the fallout of his reckless position, he said, and I quote, If potash companies objected to the point of shutting down operations and leaving the province, that wouldn t pose a problem because Saskatchewan has mined potash before. In other words, Mr. Speaker, nationalization. The NDP leader wants to tax business out of our province and then swoop in to take them over. Mr. Speaker, that would absolutely kill investment in Saskatchewan. It would destroy Saskatchewan s economy. But that s the NDP leader s master plan to drag Saskatchewan back back to economic decline, back to losing jobs and people, back to being a have-not province. Mr. Speaker, today Saskatchewan is moving forward. It is a new era in our province, but the NDP policies will only drag us back, especially that NDP leader s plan of nationalization by taxation. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. QUESTION PERIOD The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of Her Majesty s Loyal Opposition. Voting Requirements Mr. Lingenfelter: Mr. Speaker, my question is to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and it deals with, the question deals with Bills 161 and 162. That would be the local elections and The Election Act in the province of Saskatchewan. I have here a letter from the president of SUMA [Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association], Allan Earle, who in the letter says to the minister... And this is addressed to the hon. minister and signed by the mayor, Allan Earle. In the letter he says, and I quote:... we are hard pressed to identify occurrences of local election voter fraud, or urban election results that are called into question due to potentially illegal practices. With no obvious fraud issues to resolve, SUMA believes that there is no immediate need to introduce voter ID provisions. My question to the minister is: in light of the fact that thousands of Saskatchewan residents have approached you and the government and members of the opposition, SUMA s opposed to voter photo ID [identification], why is the minister pushing through with this ill-conceived idea and concept? [14:00] The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank the member opposite for the question. I too have a letter from SUMA, from Mr. Earle, dated April 27th, and I ll table it for the members today. And the letter in fact talks about working with the Ministry of Municipal Affairs in developing regulations that will work for all stakeholder groups, Mr. Speaker. And on that note, the question posed about fraud that was raised by the member opposite, the ministry officials have instructed me that every time there s a municipal election, there are s and phone calls made to the ministry staff alleging that there were people who shouldn t be voting or people who were deceased who were actually on the voters list, Mr. Speaker. And on that basis, this is going to bring integrity to the process. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Lingenfelter: Mr. Speaker, in the letter that the president of SUMA sent to the minister, I want to quote again from that letter where the president says, and I quote, appear to be unnecessary, referring to the new legislation, raise possibility of voter intimidation, and they are likely to negatively impact voter turnout. In light of the fact that all across Canada we re trying to figure out ways and means of getting more people involved in the electoral process more youth, more First Nations, more seniors, more everyone why in the world, when there s no evidence of fraud according to SUMA and others in Saskatchewan, why would the minister push forward with this ill-conceived idea when the municipalities don t want it, the public doesn t want it? Why is it in the best interests of the Sask Party to have this legislation? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Mr. Speaker, I want to quote from a letter I have here today, which I ll table at the end of the question period for the members opposite. Quote: SUMA s Chief Executive Officer and your Deputy Minister met on Tuesday, April 26, to discuss my letter and SUMA s concerns regarding Bill 162. Based on the outcomes of that meeting, SUMA believes that the concerns raised in the April 19 letter can now be effectively addressed through further collaborative work on the associated regulations [Mr. Speaker]. Once again, Mr. Speaker, stakeholders met with ministry officials now, working in collaboration to assure that through regulations concerns will be taken care of and addressed. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Lingenfelter: Mr. Speaker, in that letter that the minister s quoting from and I have that letter here; I have it right here the reason that they took that approach was because the minister informed them that there was no way to amend the legislation this late in the session. And I quote from the letter where the president of SUMA says, and I quote,

9 May 4, 2011 Saskatchewan Hansard 7501 Based on our recent discussions with your officials it was our understanding that our interest in making changes to the provisions could not be accommodated within the remaining sitting days of the Twenty-sixth Legislative Assembly. That s what you said, and that s not true. That is not true. We can make amendments. And my question to the minister is this: in light of the fact that you have told SUMA a false idea and concept, will you agree that today, today we can make the amendments that SUMA wants? We ll give leave to move to that position. In fact we have the amendments ready. And in light of the fact that you have told them that we haven t got time, will you now correct the record and realize we do have time and we can do it today? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Just two nights ago during the federal election... [Interjections] The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. I recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Two nights ago during the federal election, they used very clear guidelines to have voter identification at the polling stations. What did we see, Mr. Speaker? The election numbers for voters went up with this last election, Mr. Speaker. So when we tie in Bill 162, Mr. Speaker, to the integrity of the federal Act, to what will be the integrity of Bill 161, Mr. Speaker, that we will see provisions in this particular Act... [Interjections] The Speaker: Order. Time is running out in question period. Members come to order. The Minister of Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I want to add for the record, the letter the Leader of the Opposition has was dated before the letter I m going to actually table today. So in this letter, Mr. Speaker, the concerns addressed in that letter have been addressed at the meeting with my deputy and Mr. Allan Earle and the executive director of SUMA. So, Mr. Speaker, moving forward, everyone knows that the Act is the overlying principle behind the... [Interjections] The Speaker: Order. Order. The minister may conclude his remarks. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The Act is the overguiding principles of what we want to do to bring integrity to this particular level of the election. The regulations will operationalize the Act, Mr. Speaker. And if we look at what we just got in the mail from Elections Canada, the guiding principles behind the voter identification requirements, we re going to look at those, working with our stakeholder groups to ensure that we can have as many people as possible vote, be more inclusive versus restrictive, Mr. Speaker. Thank you. The Speaker: I recognize the Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Lingenfelter: Mr. Speaker, to the minister again, I have both letters, just to be clear. I have the letter dated April 19th in which the quote is that these are unnecessary, they raise the possibility of voter intimidation, and they are likely to negatively impact voter turnout. And then the following letter is dated April 27th, in which the president indicates that he was informed that there was no time to make the amendments. That s what you said to the SUMA representative, and that s not true. We re here. We can make the amendments. And what I m offering in every way to help out the situation is that we will move by leave to work on this Bill today, on Bill 161 and 162. Can the minister give a guarantee that when we sit down and get through question period, we can now move, because we have lots of time, to make the amendments that we can have the possibility or the option of having photo ID, but not that it be required in order to vote in the next election? Can you make that commitment? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Well thank you, Mr. Speaker. Again I want to just quote from a letter dated April 27th and it has a few points: That the ministry and SUMA will continue to collaborate on the reworking of the draft regulations; That the regulations will be constructed to limit the disclosure... [Interjections] The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. I recognize the Minister Responsible for Municipal Affairs. Hon. Mr. Hickie: Thank you, Mr. Speaker: That the regulations will be constructed to limit the disclosure of personal voter information to candidates and their aides at the polling stations; That the list of potential ID will be restructured to ensure the integrity of the voting process; That the ministry and SUMA collaborate to develop and support a plan for training Deputy Returning Officers regarding the new process; and That the ministry work with SUMA... [Interjections] The Speaker: Order. Order. Order. Order. I d ask the members to allow the minister to respond to the member s question. Order. I recognize the Minister of Municipal Affairs.

10 7502 Saskatchewan Hansard May 4, 2011 Hon. Mr. Hickie: That the ministry work with SUMA to develop and support a plan of public education regarding [the] voter ID requirements. Assuming you are in agreement with the principles above, SUMA is satisfied that the interest of urban governments can be addressed and we would offer our support for the passing of Bill 162. Mr. Speaker, let s go to committee. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre. Solution for Flooding at Red Earth Cree Nation Mr. McCall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. On Red Earth Cree Nation it s spring, but it s no longer known as spring on Red Earth. It s now known as flooding season. And some years are worse than others, of course, Mr. Speaker, but this was certainly one of those years. This was the third large-scale evacuation on Red Earth since Red Earth leadership is here today looking for a long-term solution. They have ideas on improving the situation so these annual problems can be prevented. They want to begin working now so that flooding is not a major problem next year and every year after. Will the minister agree to begin working immediately with the Red Earth Cree Nation which wants to be proactive instead of reactive? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Corrections, Public Safety and Policing. Hon. Mr. Huyghebaert: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, let me begin by expressing our deepest concern for those people that have been flooded last year and again this year. It s unprecedented in the province s history as far as I know, where we ve had this kind of disasters consecutively in last year and this year. So I really want to express my deep concern. Mr. Speaker, as members of this Assembly will know, our government took a proactive move by putting $22 million into mitigation, and we ve discussed that in this Assembly, $22 million for mitigation, and more if required. And the Premier spoke about that one day and offered to my ministry and to me more money if needed. So we have gone out with SWWA [Saskatchewan Water and Wastewater Association], Sask Water Association, and actually have spent a great deal of money on mitigation efforts. Now that includes buying equipment such as Hesco barriers, water barriers, a number of issues that can help out. We have provided assistance with our First Nations. And I m looking forward to the next question. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre. Mr. McCall: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I guess there s a... I guess there are two parts to this question. One has to do with the emergency response to the flooding, but there s a longer term solution that is required for the people of Red Earth. They ve got a situation now where the water table is so high that when they go to build housing, those houses that should be lasting, you know, decades last for 10 years because the water table is so high. So in terms of responding to houses that have been flooded out, it puts this First Nation behind, Mr. Speaker. In terms of what has been an emergency and an unusual occurrence in years past is becoming all too commonplace on Red Earth. So a long-term strategy is required. That requires certainly the Minister for Public Safety to work for this, but it also requires the Minister for First Nations and Métis Relations to get together to work in partnership with Red Earth Cree Nation and with the federal government. Will they commit to meeting with the people from Red Earth today? And will they commit to that long-term strategy that will help Red Earth not just for this year but for years to come? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for First Nations and Métis Relations. Hon. Mr. Cheveldayoff: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker, to the hon. member for the very important question. Absolutely we ll meet with the people from Red Earth. And I can tell the House as well, on April 20th, I received a call from Chief Lonechild, said he had a very important issue to discuss and asked if I would meet the next morning with the people from Red Earth. And he came to my office and members, chief and members of council came and we had a very good discussion. We offered help in any way we could, whether it was a community pasture from Agriculture, whether it was help from my colleague from CPSP [Corrections, Public Safety and Policing], or anything that FNMR [First Nations and Métis Relations] can do. And I can tell the House as well, as recently as this morning, officials from FNMR have been in contact with INAC [Indian and Northern Affairs Canada] and examining all First Nations across the province and advocating on their behalf with the federal government. And the Premier has written to the Prime Minister on this as well. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Regina Elphinstone-Centre. Mr. McCall: Mr. Speaker, the people from Red Earth are here today not to fix blame but because they want to fix the long-term problem of flooding on Red Earth First Nation. They were here two weeks ago, less than two weeks ago and they certainly had a meeting with the minister. But according to the folks from Red Earth, that meeting lasted five minutes. A subsequent meeting with officials from First Nations and Métis Relations again elicited a lot of sweet sounding words, but no commitment to work on gathering the information in terms of the watershed management and no commitment on a long-term strategy. The people from Red Earth have come back to their Legislative Assembly to get a commitment in terms of working in

11 May 4, 2011 Saskatchewan Hansard 7503 partnership, not having a five-minute-long, land speed record kind of meeting, but a genuine meeting where they get the information on the table and start working to a long-term solution for flooding on Red Earth Cree Nation. Will the minister or the ministers of that government give the commitment to working in partnership with Red Earth on a long-term strategy to deal with flooding for Red Earth Cree Nation? [14:15] The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for First Nations and Métis Relations. Hon. Mr. Cheveldayoff: Well, Mr. Speaker, absolutely the commitment is there, the commitment to work with, towards a long-term solution was there. The five-minute comment is absolutely ridiculous because all time that was necessary was given there and every courtesy was given and will continue to be given in that direction. Mr. Speaker, the Premier, along with the Premier of Manitoba, have talked to the Prime Minister, have written to the Prime Minister and received a response saying that long-term solutions will be funded by the federal government, along with the province. We heard very eloquently from the members from Red Earth about the need for long-term solutions, and we couldn t agree more, Mr. Speaker. That s indeed what we re working towards. They made the case that flooding doesn t occur just out of the blue on Red Earth. It has been happening year after year, and a long-term solution is necessary. A long-term solution will be the priority of this government, Mr. Speaker. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre. Care of Children Mr. Forbes: Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, with today s release of the Children s Advocate office report, some disturbing trends are showing up, specifically the number of critically injured children reported to the Children s Advocate office last year, which jumped more than 300 per cent from 13 to 43 between the years of 2008 and To the minister: what steps are being taken to address this disturbing upswing in the number of Saskatchewan children who are being injured? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Social Services. Hon. Ms. Draude: Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the question because I know that the members opposite are also worried about the safety of our children. Mr. Speaker, when this advocate s report came out, I had an opportunity to look at it and look at what we had done as government. One of the first things we have done is, with the child welfare review, is making sure that we no longer look at children in just one ministry, but we have seven ministers that are together looking at all the opportunities and the resources that children need to make sure that we can see that they can be a whole part of society. We are further committed to making sure that the recommendations, working with First Nations and Métis partners, will be part of an ongoing plan. We ve also worked on a new automated case management system that s being piloted this year. It s called the Linkin project. For far too many years, Mr. Speaker, the children in our province were paper children. There was no way to link them with the various services that were available because the tracking wasn t there. Mr. Speaker, there is more work to be done. I appreciate the work that the child advocate has done, and I m looking forward to working with him in the future. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre. Mr. Forbes: Mr. Speaker, my question is about injuries. Mr. Speaker, one of the emerging issues that the Children s Advocate has identified was rapid growth of the number of group homes in the past two years, specifically the ability to staff these new group homes with certified, trained personnel that s raising a major concern. To the minister: what steps are being taken to ensure that these children are receiving the best and most supportive care that they can at these group homes and that staff needed are fully trained and equipped to handle their positions? The Speaker: I recognize the Minister Responsible for Social Services. Hon. Ms. Draude: Mr. Speaker, again this is a question that is important to me and everybody that s working with the children that are in our care. That s why we have opened a number of homes, over 100 new homes in the province, Mr. Speaker, to make sure that there are places for our children. And at the same time, we recognize that the staff has to be trained. So in this year s budget I think the member opposite received this information when we were in estimates but we have $850,000 in this budget to make sure that we can provide supervisory and leadership training to the people that are within our group homes. It s important to make sure that when children are moved into our care that they can be looked at in an adequate way and make sure that the children can fill their potential. Yes, Mr. Speaker, this is an issue we re looking into. The Speaker: I recognize the member from Saskatoon Centre. Mr. Forbes: And I remind the minister the Rising Stars group home in P.A. [Prince Albert] fell through that safety net that she talks about. Mr. Speaker, as part of its mandate, the Children s Advocate office is to investigate incidents of children who die or are critically injured while in care. In 2010, 34 children died, and